GOWN STYLES

The following are some helpful descriptions of some of the more popular gown styles & descriptions.

A-line/Empire: Draws attention away from waist. Flatters
almost everyone.

Traditional Ballgown: Very full gathered or pleated skirt at natural waist, with or without the basque pointed front, flatters thin build. Basque flatters full figure, helps hide hips.

Sheath: Narrow skirt, usually with a slit on the side or up the back for walking. Form fitting, flatters a slender figure.

Princess: Side front seams from arm opening to hem. Fitted bodice, flares at waistline to an a-line skirt. Flatters shorter and larger builds.

Necklines
Scoop: Perfect with everyone, especially if you have a short neck.

Tank: With a v, scoop, or sweetheart line at bust. Always sleeveless.

V-neckline: Excellent for average bust. Also good with empire waistline for larger size.

Sweetheart: Shows off good cleavage. Very traditional look.

Square: Wide shoulder with set in sleeve, straight down from shoulders and straight across top of bust line. Flatters larger busts.

Portrait: Cap sleeve or wide collar sits just on edge of shoulder and arm. Shows off your collar bones.

Queen Anne: High in back and on sides with a modified sweetheart center front.

Halter: Wide to narrow straps on bodice front, fastening around neck. Shows off pretty shoulders. Flatters a good figure.

Waistlines
Natural: Gathers or pleats, fits at natural waistline.

Empire: Skirt begins just below bust line and is straight or flares into
an a-line.

Basque: Front of bodice forms a point dropping below the natural waistline.

Dropped: Fitted bodice several inches below waist.

Train Lengths
Most people tell you train lengths from the back waist to end of train.
I like giving you information on how much fabric there is on the floor.
I find that is easier for most people to understand.

Sweep: From just brushing the floor up to 18 inches on the floor.

Chapel: Usually defined as 18 inches up to 36 inches.

Semi-cathedral: 36 inches up to 48 inches.

Cathedral: Extends from 48 inches up to 80 inches.

Monarch: Also referred to as royal train 80 inches or longer. Many times this is referred to as a 120-inch train.